LETTER FROM THE CHIEF SECRETARY | Issued on 22 April
LIEUT-COLONEL EDWIN GRAINGER FOLLOWING military service with the Coldstream Guards, Edwin Grainger entered the International Training College in the 1948 Peacemakers session. This was followed by time at the college as a sergeant, then five months in charge of Little Lever Corps before returning to the college as a house officer. During his house officer duties he met a member of the College Education Department, Lieutenant Dorothy Buxton of the Warriors session. The attraction led to marriage in 1952, which commenced a deeply meaningful and enriching lifetime of ministry together. Their daughter, Fiona, was born in Glasgow. They led a number of corps in east London, followed by three years at Worcester and, in 1960, transferred to the Scotland Territory. They were appointed to Edinburgh Congress Hall and then Hawick in the Scottish Borders. This was followed by a number of headquarters appointments, including youth crusader, divisional youth secretary for North Scotland and Glasgow, territorial youth secretary, divisional commander in Edinburgh and as field and special efforts secretary at THQ. Returning to the British Territory in 1980 he was appointed assistant chief secretary and retired from active service in 1992. A further three years’ part-time service followed in the Retired Officers Unit. After this, together with Dorothy, they moved to Northampton and soldiered at Kettering Citadel and latterly at Northampton East. Edwin often spoke of the joy and fulfilment of his service. He was glad that he responded to the call and challenge given by God through the ministry of the then British commissioner, Albert Orsborn, at youth councils. In more than 70 years of obedient service, Edwin’s faith never wavered and sustained him through the loss of Dorothy in 2017 and severe health problems in later years. A truly gracious Christian gentleman, devoted father and grandfather, Edwin’s influence and encouragement brought enrichment to many. – DS
Hadleigh Farm
M
OST of you will be aware of reports in the media about The Salvation Army’s management of some of our houses on Hadleigh Farm in Essex. I want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to put right this wrong and understand fully that you will be disappointed and concerned. As our territorial commander, Commissioner Anthony Cotterill, said in his letter of apology to the tenants, the condition of the houses in Seaview Terrace and Mount Zion is unacceptable and we are deeply sorry. Our apology is unreserved. We’ve been working on the problems for several years, but it has taken far too long to find a solution. I am sure that if you saw the reports in the media, you were also horrified to hear from the elderly tenant who has been praying for a solution. Other tenants are understandably angry. As a Christian church, we must do better. We are committed to being an organisation that lives out our values. At times of failure like this, we need to be more determined than ever to admit our mistakes, apologise and find solutions. Works were approved by the trustees in SATCo on 10 December 2021 and over these past months the property team have been working on the agreed action plan in order to bring these properties up to the correct standard. Our new property
director, Peter Grant, appointed in May 2021, is making good progress. Decant properties for our tenants are already prepared and we are confident that we have a deliverable plan. The Property Department have been through several difficult years, and I want to thank the team for their hard work. In January 2022, the Territorial Operations Board approved a plan to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Property Department throughout the territory, and hope that the improved infrastructure will enable the property team to manage, resource and support our property portfolio in the territory. We will of course be keeping this under review. We know that words are not enough. We must see action at Hadleigh and across the territory to ensure we are good stewards of all our resources. Thank you to those of you who have written offering your prayers and concern. It is deeply appreciated. If there are matters of concern, please email chiefsecretary@ salvationarmy.org.uk and I will ensure they are followed up appropriately.
PAUL MAIN COLONEL CHIEF SECRETARY Salvationist 30 April 2022
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